Glam undertones, pops of dusty blush and gorgeous light on the grounds of The Powel Crosley Estate are just a few details that make up Cara and James’s gorgeous Florida wedding day. Coordination was by Laura Snow with florals by Oneco and it’s all captured here by Everence Photography.
What made the wedding special and unique?
What makes our wedding unique is that we focused less on some of the traditions and instead focused on everyone having a great time. We left out the bouquet and garter toss, didn’t stop the music to have everyone stop and watch the cake cutting (just family and a few of the wedding party were present), and kept the music upbeat and entertaining. Food and music were important to us so we chose that very carefully. We had been to so many weddings where the food was mediocre and the music was always the same so we wanted ours to be different. We also wanted it to be very romantic, elegant, and dreamy and I think we accomplished that!
Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!
I purchased my Lazaro gown at the White Magnolia (style 3814). I wanted something different and I had my eyes on this gown for a while! I tried on several dresses that I liked, but nothing that was giving me that spark. After trying on a few, I decided to just cut to the chase and try on the one I had been eyeing (even thought I was saving it for last!). From the moment I tried it on I just knew. The sparkle it gave and the way it flowed felt so magical. It was everything I wanted in a dress. It was perfect!
What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?
James and I wrote notes to each other and exchanged gifts the morning of. We then had our first look which I highly recommend! It made the day less stressful and allowed us to enjoy the day even more. It allowed us a few moments to enjoy by ourselves. Our dogs were also included which made our day even more memorable. We wrote each other our own vows in personalized vow books for our ceremony. It meant a lot to me that we did that for each other. It just made it that much more meaningful and special.
What was the most memorable part of the day?
Sharing our vows with each other during our ceremony and feeling the love that we share for one another. I think I sped walked down the aisle because I had dreamed of that moment for so long and was so excited. Hearing the speeches during dinner was entertaining and meant a lot to us as well. Having everyone celebrating our love was so appreciated. Our DJ was also amazing. I don’t think we stopped dancing! The weather was also perfect! I remember because the week before the forecast was rain and EVERYTHING was outdoors. I was stressed about it until a few days before the chance of rain went down to 0! It was warm, but not too warm, sunny and breezy. It was a dream come true.
Tell us how you met and became engaged.
James and I originally met working together in high school at Hollister. We were just friends back then. One year while I was in pharmacy school I came home for the summer. Mutual friends of ours threw a beach party for cinco de Mayo. We ran into each other and chatted for a bit. A couple weeks after I reached out to him and we started messaging back and forth. It took about 6 months to actually plan a date! But once we had that first date the rest was history. We dated for over 7 years before he proposed to me on New Year’s Eve during a picnic on the water at the University of Tampa. He told me earlier that day that he had a surprise for me later. When we got there he took out a new blanket and said look what I got! I asked if that was his surprise. He laughed and said yes. He then stood me up and proposed right there. That was the real surprise!
Photography: Everence Photography // Coordinator: Laura Snow // Florist: Oneco // Stationery: Minted // Venue: The Powel Crosley Estate // Videographer: Bonnie Newman // Hair & Makeup: Destiny and Light // Dress: Lazaro style 3814 // Bridal Boutique: The White Magnolia // Veil: Haute Bride (purchased from Malindy Elene) // Cake: Sugarpaste by Stephanie // Shoes: Badgley Mischka // Earrings: Sara Gabriel // Robes (for getting ready): LeRose // Bridesmaid dresses: Jasmine B2 (purchased at CC’s bridal boutique) // Tuxes: The Black Tux // Ties: The Tie Bar // James’ Shoes: Aldo // Bride’s rings: Mavilo // Catering: Milan Catering // DJ: Cory Barron // Lighting: Affairs in the Air // Ring Box: The Mrs. Box